Cheap upgrade for low beam riding?
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 146
Likes: 5
From: Murray, Ky.
I went to the local HD dealer and asked the parts man about a bulb upgrade and he gave me what he runs in his, a 100/80 for $16. He said it won't cause any problems and so far- 3 months later it hasn't. Of course, it's made in China.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: zoo jersey
The bulb gets hot enuff to melt the connector off the back of the bulb.
And then you need to replace the bulb n the connector.
Happened to BOTH MY HARLEY n my BUELL !!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
While the Silver Stars and PIAA lights are very bright, they also tend to not last very long. On cars I've tried them on, I was lucky to get a year out of them before at least one would burn out. And since motorcycle lights are on ALL the time, they may not last that long. Others may have better results, but I tried the Silver Stars, the Silver Star Ultras, and the uber expensive PIAAs. All the same.
Don't know if you're talking about seeing at night, or being seen in the daytime. But I always keep my passing lamps on and they seem to do a good job of helping the low beam at night, and being seen during the daytime.
Don't know if you're talking about seeing at night, or being seen in the daytime. But I always keep my passing lamps on and they seem to do a good job of helping the low beam at night, and being seen during the daytime.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 20
From: Florida / Colorado
I recommend the Osram Hyper H 412XO H4 Bulb. Costs about $20.
High Output Xenon Bulb. No tint. This is the drag racer of bulbs. It makes the maximum lumens that a near stock wattage bulb can make and still have a reasonable life. The colorless globe does not reduce the lumen output as other coatings and colorings do. Pair it up with the Hella HL79562 7" Round H4 E-Code Headlamp for about $40 and you got a real nice combo. I got mine at rallylights.com.
High Output Xenon Bulb. No tint. This is the drag racer of bulbs. It makes the maximum lumens that a near stock wattage bulb can make and still have a reasonable life. The colorless globe does not reduce the lumen output as other coatings and colorings do. Pair it up with the Hella HL79562 7" Round H4 E-Code Headlamp for about $40 and you got a real nice combo. I got mine at rallylights.com.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: St Paul
I did a HID bulb with micro ballast. On a RK there is not enough depth for a dual stage bulb but on SG and RG there is. It is bright as hell and get a lot of flashes from passing motorists. I have been running it for two years now and it continues to work great. There are many options online.
Just my 2cents.
Just my 2cents.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
Daniel stern website, I got a lamp and the headlight shell, a Cibie for both my bikes and it is a very worthy upgrade.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 9
From: Lincolnton, NC
Silverstar lights up the night. My problem was I couldn't get one to last more than 10,000 miles. After buying two I put the stock bulb back in. 75,000+ miles it's still going.
I do miss the added light from the Silverstar. I bet it would be a real benefit since I added an E code housing.
I do miss the added light from the Silverstar. I bet it would be a real benefit since I added an E code housing.
